Dream Cruises expands Australian cruise offerings

Dream Cruises has announced new cruise options for Australia's East coast, releasing a series of short sector itineraries and a new embarkation point in Newcastle.

Explorer Dream will be the first of the Dream Cruises fleet to homeport in Australia (at Sydney's White Bay Cruise Terminal), with the first departure due to set sail from Sydney on 27 October 2019.

In addition to the seven-night coastal cruises to Queensland and Tasmania, Dream Cruises has released a series of short sector cruise options. There are six new sectors to choose from, including one-way and weekend cruises.

Consumers can now opt to cruise one way from Brisbane to Sydney or reverse, with a choice of two, three, four and five-night itineraries available.

Dream Cruises has further expanded their offerings by announcing a new embarkation point – Newcastle. Novocastrians can depart from the convenience of their local port, with two departures dates available. There is a four-night cruise departing 4 November 2019 from Newcastle to Brisbane (via Gladstone and the Sunshine Coast) and a seven-night round-trip from Newcastle on 25 November 2019, visiting Gladstone, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Sydney.

Fares start from AU$286 per person twin share for a two-night cruise from Brisbane to Sydney.

For full details visit dreamcruiseline.com or phone Dream Cruises on 02 9212 6288.

READ THE FLYER HERE

Coming Down Under: Special offers for Dream Cruises

Dream Cruises has launched special promotional rates for Explorer Dream cruises departing from Sydney. The new “DreamSaver” promo has been released in celebration of Explorer Dream’s recent christening in Shanghai.

Guests can take advantage of savings up to 30% for cruises departing Sydney between 27 October 2019 and 23 February 2020. There are a range of 7-night itineraries to choose from, with destinations including Queensland, Tasmania and New Zealand. Prices start from just $505 per person twin share (Sydney to Auckland).

For dates, rates and itineraries, view the flyer attached or contact Dream Cruises on +61 9212 6288 or 1300 658 666.

Dream Cruises launches Explorer Dream

Dream Cruises has welcomed the third member of its fleet with the christening and inaugural homeport deployment of Explorer Dream at Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal.

Honorable guests Mr Su Ping, Vice Magistrate of Shanghai Baoshan District Government and Mr Hui Lim, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Genting Hong Kong were joined by management executives and over 500 guests at the ceremonial launch event. The christening ceremony featured Ms. Grace Chen, the godmother of Explorer Dream and one of the most influential fashion innovators in China. The innovative christening was activated by her magic wand of dreams and aspirations and the spirit of exploration was symbolised by a majestic unicorn that led the iconic Dream Cruises’ mermaid out of the ocean and into a new realm, where she will embark on the quest to discover new horizons across the seas. With the traditional breaking of the champagne bottle against the bow of the ship, Explorer Dream officially began her journey with Dream Cruises.

After the inaugural ceremony, Grace Chen presented a spectacular fashion show at sea aboard the ship. Eighteen models showcased her Voyage collection and walked the runway on the Palace Pool Deck, where guests enjoyed a visual feast inspired by the spirit of exploration and discovery, both of which are the brand essence of Dream Cruises.

Since its launch two years ago, Dream Cruises has garnered numerous accolades for its two cruise ships, Genting Dream which debuted in 2016 and World Dream in 2017, including Star Performer Top Ten Ratings in the Large Resort Category, Top 5 Cruise Lines in the Large/Medium sized cruise ship category by Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List and more.

Built with German craftsmanship, Explorer Dream measures 268 metres in length and 32 metres in width. She has a total gross tonnage of 75,338 tons, 928 cabins and lower berth capacity of 1,856 passengers. The signature, luxury “ship within a ship” enclave of Dream Cruises - The Palace, provides a next-level luxury experience for discerning travellers, boasting an industry leading staff to guest ratio, a majority of suites over 40 square metres, as well as bespoke 24-hour butler service and exclusive guest privileges.

A generous variety of culinary options will also be available to cater for every taste – from inspired Asian flavours to exquisite Western delicacies. Acclaimed Australian Chef Mark Best will extend his influence on to Explorer Dream with his Seafood Grill by Mark Best serving up the ocean’s bounty in a spectacular al fresco setting. Signature Dream dining favourites will also take pride of place on the new ship including Umi Uma for Japanese delights, Silk Road for traditional Chinese fare, Blue Lagoon for Southeast Asian comfort food and Palm Court for informal refreshments and breath-taking views. For adventurous foodies, the all new Mozzarella Ristorante e Pizzeria will tantalise with a modern fusion of classic Italian dishes and pizzas with a Japanese twist.

Guests of Explorer Dream can also enjoy thematic programs on their journeys at sea including “The Connoisseurs Circle” bespoke enrichment program, featuring inspirational talks and events that are especially curated for guests of The Palace, such as a fashion talk by Grace Chen, the godmother of Explorer Dream.

Explorer Dream will initially homeport in Shanghai and Tianjin, where she will embark on a series of itineraries to popular destinations throughout Japan, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nagasaki, Fukuoka and Okinawa.

From October 2019, Explorer Dream will homeport in Sydney and Auckland, offering guests a variety of seven-night weekly itineraries visiting the region’s coastal highlights.

For further information please contact Dream Cruises on +61 2 9212 6288 or visit dreamcruiseline.com

Dream Cruises expanding to Australia

source: Cruise Weekly

DREAM Cruises will operate outside of Asia for the first time in 2019/2020, with parent company Genting Hong Kong yesterday unveiling a series of 21 seven- day Australasian voyages for the newly transformed Explorer Dream (CW breaking news).

The 1,870 passenger vessel, currently sailing with sister brand Star Cruises as SuperStar Virgo (pic above), will undergo a US$30 million makeover next year prior to the down under deployment, which will offer cruises in Australia and New Zealand to its Asian-sourced passengers, according to Genting Hong Kong executive chairman, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay.

The refurbishment will incorporate all new food and beverage options combining the best of “East meets West”, a Crystal Life Spa, and Dream Cruises’ signature The Palace private luxury enclave with 50 suites and butler service.

“Explorer Dream will offer another option for our Asia-based guests to expand their travel horizons with new rail/cruise and fly/cruise opportunities to see the world,” Kok Thay said.

Prior to her Australian season, the ship will homeport in Shanghai and Tianjin during the northern summer of 2019, cruising to Japan, Russia, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

The local deployment will include six Barrier Reef voyages calling at Mooloolaba, Brisbane, Newcastle and Gladstone; eight Tasmania and Melbourne cruises calling at Port Arthur, Hobart, Burnie, Melbourne, Philip Island and Eden; and seven New Zealand itineraries cruising to Wellington, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Napier, Bay of Islands, Akaroa, Picton and Gisborne. The Genting chief said the move would help accelerate the company’s vision to “develop Dream Cruises into Asia’s global cruise line”.

Asia's Dream Cruises heading Down Under

Dream Cruises is working to build up the Australian market to allow it to bring a Global Class vessel to local waters in 2021.

At 204,000 tonnes, the Global class would be larger than the 168,666-tonne Ovation of the Seas, which currently holds the title for the largest cruise ship to ever sail in Australian waters.

Dream Cruises are aiming to bring the ship down under in 2021 and firm deployment plans would have to be ready by 2019.

Sydney and Melbourne have been pinpointed as potential ports for the Global class, with Dream Cruises emphasising it would have to be a major city which could support the ship’s capacity for up to 9,000 people, including crew.

Dream Cruises would target a mix of Australian guests and fly-cruise, anticipating a split of 50-60% local cruisers and the remaining from international passengers.

Construction is underway on the first of two Global class ships on order with shipyard MV Werften, with delivery slated for late 2020 and 2021.